A 52-Year-Old Woman Develops Cardiac Arrest While Hospitalized for the Treatment

A 52-year-old woman develops cardiac arrest while hospitalized for the treatment of a pulmonary embolism.  Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures, including external chest compressions and endotracheal intubation, are implemented.  After the airway is secured, a waveform capnograph is attached to the endotracheal tube and shows that the end-tidal partial pressure of CO₂ (EtCO₂) is 16 mm Hg.  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is continued along ACLS guidelines.  After approximately 5 minutes of resuscitation, the EtCO₂ rapidly increases to 38 mm Hg.
Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the change in this patient's capnography finding?

A) Esophageal intubation
B) Kinked endotracheal tube
C) Reduced quality of cardiac compressions
D) Return of spontaneous circulation
E) Right mainstem intubation

Correct Answer:

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